Running power 100 feet typically costs $800-$4,000, depending on voltage, amperage, route, and whether wiring goes underground or overhead. A basic 120-volt circuit usually costs less than a 240-volt feeder or a run that needs a subpanel, trenching, permits, or difficult access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-foot 120V circuit | $800 | $1,500 | $2,500 | Existing panel has capacity; straightforward route |
| 100-foot 240V circuit | $1,200 | $2,500 | $4,000 | Typical 30-50 amp equipment circuit |
| Underground trenching | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Often priced separately from electrical work |
| Subpanel and feeder | $1,800 | $3,500 | $6,000 | Costs more when the destination needs multiple circuits |
What a 100-foot home power run usually costs
For one new circuit serving a garage, shed, or outdoor equipment, homeowners commonly pay $800-$2,500 for a standard 120V run and $1,200-$4,000 for a 240V circuit. A feeder and subpanel for several circuits often raises the total to $1,800-$6,000. Quotes assume ordinary residential access, code-compliant materials, and no major panel replacement.
For a typical 100-foot project, budgeting about $1,500-$3,500 is reasonable until the electrician confirms the load and route. Material and labor prices vary by region; dense urban markets may run 15%-30% above rural areas, while remote locations can add travel or mobilization charges.
Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard copper wiring, normal access, and no major service upgrade.
How wire, labor, and trenching shape the quote
The quote combines wiring and protective equipment with installation labor. Underground work adds conduit, trench excavation, backfill, and possible surface restoration. The table gives planning ranges for a 100-foot route; components can overlap in bundled contractor bids.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire, conduit, breaker, fittings | $250 | $650 | $1,400 |
| Electrician labor | $400 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Trenching and backfill | $300 | $900 | $2,200 |
| Permit and inspection | $50 | $200 | $500 |
| Panel, subpanel, or upgrade | $0 | $800 | $2,500 |
Electricians commonly charge $75-$150 per hour, with a one- to two-person crew taking roughly 5-12 hours on an uncomplicated run. Trenching may be quoted by the foot, often around $5-$20 per linear foot, and is usually separate from electrical labor.
Which voltage, amperage, and route raise the price
A 120V, 15- or 20-amp circuit for lights or receptacles generally needs less copper and smaller protection than a 240V, 30- to 50-amp circuit for a dryer, welder, or workshop equipment. Higher amperage and voltage requirements can mean larger wire, a different breaker, and sometimes a subpanel. An electrician must size the circuit to the equipment load and applicable code.
Distance alone does not set wire size: a 100-foot run carrying 50 amps can require substantially heavier conductors than a 20-amp run. Voltage drop also matters. At roughly 100 feet, the electrician may recommend upsizing wire, particularly for sustained loads or sensitive equipment; that can add $100-$600 or more depending on conductor size and material.
Route and ground conditions are another major variable. Open soil is less expensive than concrete, asphalt, tree roots, or rock. A route beneath a driveway may require boring or surface cutting, potentially adding $500-$2,000. Overhead wiring can avoid trenching, but may require poles, clearances, weather-rated components, and utility approval.
Underground conduit or overhead wiring for 100 feet
Underground installation is common for detached garages and sheds because it protects wiring from weather and accidental contact. A basic trench-and-conduit route may add $500-$2,500, with the upper end more likely when soil is difficult or pavement must be restored. Burial depth, conduit type, and inspection requirements depend on local code and the installation method.
Overhead installation may cost less when there are suitable structures and clearances, but it is not automatically cheaper. Supporting hardware, attachment points, spans, and local rules affect the bid. A utility connection is a separate project from a private circuit run and may involve separate fees.
Compare complete installed prices, not just the per-foot trench rate. Ask whether the bid includes wire, conduit, excavation, backfill, breaker, terminations, inspection, and any repair to landscaping or pavement.
Three sample 100-foot electrical project budgets
| Scenario | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Basic shed lights | 20A 120V circuit, open route, 5-7 labor hours | $900-$1,700 |
| Detached garage outlet | 30A 240V circuit, 100-foot underground conduit, 8-12 hours | $1,800-$3,600 |
| Workshop subpanel | 60A feeder, subpanel, difficult trench, 10-16 hours | $3,500-$6,500 |
These examples assume standard residential work and exclude major panel replacement, unusually long utility coordination, or extensive concrete restoration. A subpanel is generally the more useful option when the destination needs multiple circuits, but it raises equipment and installation costs.
Permits, panel capacity, and site work that add fees
Electrical permits and inspections often cost $50-$500, depending on the jurisdiction and project scope. Some localities require a permit for a new circuit, feeder, or detached-building connection. If the main panel is full, adding a tandem breaker is not always allowed; a subpanel or panel replacement may be necessary and can increase the estimate by hundreds or several thousand dollars.
Expect additional charges for locating underground utilities, removing concrete, restoring landscaping, or installing weatherproof equipment. A contractor may also charge a minimum service fee or diagnostic visit, often $75-$200, if the work requires a separate assessment before a formal quote.
How to lower the 100-foot wiring bill safely
Keep the route direct and choose a path with accessible soil rather than crossing patios or driveways. Completing trenching yourself may reduce excavation charges, but only if the electrician approves the trench dimensions, depth, conduit plan, and inspection sequence beforehand. Never dig before utility lines have been marked.
Compare at least three itemized estimates using the same voltage, amperage, route, and destination equipment. Ask contractors to identify any wire upsizing, panel work, permit fees, and restoration charges. Avoid selecting a lower breaker or undersized wire simply to reduce the bid; circuit capacity must match the connected load and code.
Controlling the route and avoiding unnecessary subpanel or surface-restoration work are the safest ways to reduce cost without compromising the installation. Schedule routine work ahead of a deadline when possible, since urgent scheduling and limited contractor availability can add charges.